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Recognizing and Responding to Bullying

Introduction

In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of all forms of victimization:
physical and sexual abuse upon children, the abuse of the elderly,
bullying in schools, the work place and a variety of care settings.

Bullying involves the persecution, intimidation and hurt of someone who is,
or is perceived to be, a 'weaker' person or less powerful person. The experience
of being bullied is widely recognized as damaging (sometimes physically as well
as emotionally) and has been highlighted by research, the media and national organizations
as a cause for concern.

Although bullies can be people who hold
positions of power and authority (e.g. managers in the work place) a great deal
of bullying takes place amongst peers (e.g. between school children). In such
situations, where there appears to be some level of 'equality of status' even if
this is only on a superficial level, the bullying may be difficult to accept,
detect and respond appropriately to.

These issues are even more complex when the
bullying takes place in a care setting for people with mental health issues and
problems.

Aims

This short course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of workers
in mental health care settings. It will provide basic information about
different types of bullying behaviour, the recognition of bullying and will
enable participants to develop strategies for dealing with bullying behaviour.

Methods

The course will address the theoretical and practical issues involved in recognizing
and responding to bullying behaviour sensitively through formal
inputs, case studies, discussions and group work.

Course Outline

Introductions and Welcomes

Learning Agreement

Ice Breaker

Activity: Bullying: What do you know already and what would you like to
know?

Activity: Recognizing bullying behaviour.

Presentation: Causes and consequences of bullying with particular
reference to workers in mental health care settings.

Activity: Case studies and discussion

Activity: Opportunities to practice new skills

Activity: Developing strategies and action plans for responding to
bullying